Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

St. Louis was an active stop on the Underground Railroad with its close proximity to the free state of Illinois. One of St. Louis's most prominent conductors on the Underground Railroad was Mary Meachum. The widow of a free, black minister John Berry Meachum spent years with her husband teaching both free and enslaved blacks how to read and write, defying Missouri law. In May 1855, Mary led a boat of freedom-seekers on a midnight crossing of the Mississippi River toward Alton, Illinois. Upon arriving at shore, the party was met by law enforcement and all arrested, including Meachum. While the fates of most of the enslaved are unknown, Mary was released from custody shortly after the event and never charged. Local Meachum historian Angela DaSilva will discuss the St. Louis and the Underground Railroad and the brave individuals who sought to help those seeking freedom in a free state.This program is free. Please call (314) 842-1867 to make reservations.

Local Event: History Talk: Mary Meachum and the St. Louis Underground Railroad

St. Louis County

Affton-Shrewsbury

Missouri

History Talk: Mary Meachum and the St. Louis...

St. Louis was an active stop on the Underground Railroad with its close proximity to the free state of Illinois. One of St....

History Talk: Mary Meachum and the St. Louis Underground Railroad

A historical person is no longer able to speak for themselves, but what they leave behind can&nbsp;offer interesting clues about their life. As the park commemorates the 200th anniversary of&nbsp;Julia Dent Grant’s birth in 2026, a special exhibit about her life will be on display throughout&nbsp;the summer. Through Julia’s personal items, visitors will be immersed in her role as a family-oriented woman and public figure. Historian and Curator Nick Sacco will discuss&nbsp;the effort to curate this exhibit and highlight several artifacts, including the oldest known&nbsp;photo of Julia from the early 1850s, materials from her 1848 wedding, and a first edition&nbsp;copy of her Personal Memoirs. The exhibit will officially open following the program and&nbsp;attendees are invited to be among the first to explore this uniquely assembled collection.&nbsp;The exhibit will run through September 30, 2026, in the museum rotunda.&nbsp;The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Local Event: Special Exhibit Opening and Lecture:  Julia Dent Grant: A 200 Year Legacy

Special Exhibit Opening and Lecture:  Julia...

A historical person is no longer able to speak for themselves, but what they leave behind can offer interesting clues about...

Special Exhibit Opening and Lecture:  Julia Dent Grant: A 200 Year Legacy

John Marselak and David Nolen will discuss their latest work, “The Memoirs of General&nbsp;William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete Annotated Edition”. This edition is a Harvard&nbsp;University Press publication edited by MSU’s John F. Marszalek with Louie P. Gallo and&nbsp;David S. Nolen.The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Local Event: Author Talk: “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete Annotated Edition”

Author Talk: “The Memoirs of General William...

John Marselak and David Nolen will discuss their latest work, “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete...

Author Talk: “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete Annotated Edition”

National Trails Day provides the perfect opportunity to set off on a local trail with others in&nbsp;your community. If you are out enjoying Gravois Greenway on National Trails Day, stop in&nbsp;and enjoy our new path that takes you down by the stream where future First Lady Julia Grant played as a child. If&nbsp;your canine companion is along, it is a great opportunity to make them a BARK Ranger. At 1:00 PM, a ranger will lead a two-mile walk along Grant’s Trail. The program is free.

Local Event: National Trails Day

National Trails Day

National Trails Day provides the perfect opportunity to set off on a local trail with others in your community. If you are out...

From the birthplace of George Washington to the train depot where Jimmy Carter launched&nbsp;his presidential campaign, Presidential Road Trips - 100 Places to Explore and Experience the History of American Presidents will help you plan an unforgettable American history&nbsp;lesson! Follow travel author Bill Clevlen as he explores the places where future presidents&nbsp;spent their formative years, and the retreats where they relaxed, entertained, and made&nbsp;consequential decisions. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Local Event: Author Talk: Presidential Road Trips

Author Talk: Presidential Road Trips

From the birthplace of George Washington to the train depot where Jimmy Carter launched his presidential campaign, Presidential...

Twenty historic sites are joining together for this event. See how our ancestors connected&nbsp;with the land, in both ornamental and practical ways. Take the opportunity to enjoy the&nbsp;new path through our native grasses to Little Prairie Creek. White Haven will be open from&nbsp;9:30 AM to 4:30 PM with ranger presentations at the top of the hour.

Local Event: Landscapes of Summertime Past

Landscapes of Summertime Past

Twenty historic sites are joining together for this event. See how our ancestors connected with the land, in both ornamental...

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Posting Activity

History Talk: Mary Meachum and the St. Louis Underground Railroad

MAY

16

10:00 AM

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO

Special Exhibit Opening and Lecture: Julia Dent Grant: A 200 Year Legacy

MAY

22

10:00 AM

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO

Author Talk: “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete Annotated Edition”

MAY

30

10:00 AM

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO

National Trails Day

JUN

6

10:00 AM

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO

Author Talk: Presidential Road Trips

JUN

13

10:00 AM

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO

Landscapes of Summertime Past

JUN

13

10:00 AM

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO